Understanding the kinds of gifts God gave to the church is important.
by Ron Myer
One day I noticed a cute teddy bear being offered at an airport stand as a free gift for signing up for a credit card. Why give away a gift? Research proves that people will open their wallets and buy much more often when gift-with-purchase sales are offered, because they like getting something extra that they did not pay for. The free gift makes them feel like a winner.
Everyone enjoys receiving a gift. A gift expresses sentiments such as love, friendship, or respect, and usually there is a specific purpose in giving one. Spiritual gifts given by God are much the same. They are an expression of love from God to us, and each one has a specific purpose.
God has blessed each person with spiritual gifts, but no one person can possess the fullness of all of them. That’s why we should work together. We need everyone’s gift so we can be fully equipped for service.
Distinguishing among the gifts
How do we distinguish among all the supernatural gifts we find in the Bible? What do we do with our gifts? Ask any gathering of Christians for a show of hands of those who know what their spiritual gifts are, and you will get only a few hands raised. Other people will stare at you blankly. We should all know what our spiritual gifts are. How can we use them if we do not know what they are?
A study of the Bible reveals that God gives many different kinds of spiritual gifts. Some gifts are inner motivational gifts that God gives each individual. Others help believers to do the work of ministry, and yet other special ministry gifts are given to leaders to train God’s people.
Gifts of the Father
Motivational: Inner motivational gifts God gives to individuals
Romans 12:3-8
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Operational: Gifts to help believers do the work of ministry
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Gifts of Christ
Fivefold: Gifts for leaders to equip others for ministry
Ephesians 4:9-16
Gifts of the Father—motivational gifts
Every person has a motivational gift that reflects the imprint of God the Father. This is seen in the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was motivated by serving, while Mary was motivated by mercy. Their differences led to tension.
Our motivational gifts shape how we see the world and how we serve others. These gifts are listed in Romans 12:3-8.
For I say, through the grace given to me… having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…
Each gift represents a unique ability. These gifts are present in all people, believers and non-believers alike, because they are rooted in being created in God’s image.
Examples include teachers, generous givers, encouragers, and those who serve others. These abilities reflect God’s design in each person.
The Lord desires that we use these gifts for His purposes. This is why they are called the Father’s gifts.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit—gifts of operations
The nine gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 are manifestations of the Holy Spirit, given to help others and build up the body of Christ.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…
These gifts are not for personal gain but for the common good. They include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation.
Many believers are unaware of their gifts and therefore do not use them. However, when we yield to the Holy Spirit, these gifts become active and impactful.
These gifts are supernatural and demonstrate God’s power working through people.
The Gifts of Christ—fivefold gifts
The fivefold gifts—apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher—are given to equip believers for ministry and build up the church.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…
Not everyone is called to these roles. These are functions of leadership meant to serve others, not positions of status.
These gifts exist to strengthen and mature the body of Christ.
Christ gave!
These gifts are given by Christ, not self-appointed. Jesus fully embodied all five roles:
The Apostle of apostles – “As the Father has sent me”
The Prophet of prophets – He revealed truth and future events
The Evangelist of evangelists – “I am the way, the truth and the life”
The Teacher of teachers – “You call me Teacher and Lord”
The Pastor of pastors – “I am the Good Shepherd”
All ministry flows from Christ and is expressed through believers by the Holy Spirit.
When the fivefold gifts function properly, the church grows into maturity. When they do not, the church is limited.
These gifts remain active and essential today, just as they were in the early church.
You are uniquely gifted
Learn more about your spiritual gifts through these free assessments.
Fivefold ministry made practical
Learn more in Ron’s book Fivefold Ministry Made Practical.
Available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook.
